Eleven F4U Corsairs Flying Together @ Thunder Over Michigan

11 WWII Legends Take Flight 

If you’re a fan of classic warbirds, this Thunder Over Michigan airshow gave us something truly unforgettable—a gathering of 11 flying F4U Corsairs. That’s right. Eleven of these legendary WWII fighters took to the skies in one of the largest Corsair assemblies seen in decades.

From the moment the sun hit the ramp, it was clear this was no ordinary event. Aircraft lined up nose-to-tail, mechanics and pilots making last checks. Then came the mass start-up, the deep rumble of Pratt & Whitney engines echoing across the field. The simultaneous wing unfold alone was worth the price of admission.

When those birds took off—lightning-fast and roaring low—it felt like stepping back in time. Formation flybys, individual passes, and the sight of Corsairs banking in unison… there’s just nothing like it. You could feel it in your chest. And when they taxied back in, propwash kicking up heat waves, not a soul left the fence line.

It’s hard to believe that this many Corsairs are still airworthy—and even harder to describe how beautiful they look in flight. That gull-wing design isn’t just iconic, it’s downright elegant.

So, what do you think—is the F4U the most beautiful fighter of its era? Let us know in the comments!